The main difference between granulated garlic and garlic salt is that garlic salt contains salt and therefore has a salty taste, while granulated garlic does not contain salt.
Garlic is an indispensable ingredient we use in almost all cuisines worldwide. Also, we can use garlic in different forms. Some recipes call for fresh garlic, while others may require processed forms of garlic. Granulated garlic and garlic salt are two such processed forms.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Granulated Garlic
– Definition, Features
2. What is Garlic Salt
– Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Granulated Garlic and Garlic Salt
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Granulated Garlic and Garlic Salt
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Garlic Salt, Granulated Salt
What is Granulated Garlic
Granulated garlic is a form of dried garlic that has been coarsely ground. It has a coarse, very distinctive texture, similar to the texture of cornflakes. We can make granulated garlic by peeling fresh garlic covers, drying them in an oven, and then grinding them using a spice grinder. We can store this form of garlic for several months in a cool and dark place. Unlike fresh garlic, granules don’t turn rancid, even if we keep them for a long time. We can use granulated garlic as a seasoning for sauces and for dry rubs because it distributes the garlic flavor well without adding moisture to the dish. When we consider its taste, it’s more or less the same as other forms of dried garlic. However, granulated garlic tends to be somewhat more expensive than other forms of garlic.
There is also a roasted version of granulated garlic in the market. It can add a nutty and somewhat mellow flavor to dishes. Regular granulated garlic has a more potent ‘garlic’ taste than its roasted version.
What is Garlic Salt
Garlic salt is a mixture of ground garlic and kosher salt or table salt. Garlic salt, as its name indicates, has a high salt content. It usually contains 1 part garlic and 3 parts salt. This is why it’s best to avoid adding extra salt when you use garlic salt in a dish. Sometimes, garlic salt can also contain an anti-caking agent, like calcium silicate. Concerning its uses, you can use garlic salt for salad dressings, as seasonings for dry rubs or marinades, or as a substitute for garlic or salt in some recipes.
Besides, you can use garlic salt as a substitute for granulated garlic. But make sure to limit the amount of garlic salt you use because it has a high salt content. You can typically use 1t of garlic salt for every 1/4t of granulated garlic.
Similarities Between Granulated Garlic and Garlic Salt
- Both are two forms of processed garlic.
- You can store them for a longer time than fresh garlic.
- Garlic salt can be used as a substitute for granulated salt, but you have to be careful about its salty taste.
Difference Between Granulated Garlic and Garlic Salt
Definition
Granulated garlic is a form of dried garlic that has been coarsely ground, while garlic salt is a mixture of ground garlic and kosher salt or table salt.
Content
Granulated garlic only contains garlic, whereas garlic salt contains garlic and salt (1 part garlic and 3 parts salt).
Flavor
While granulated garlic tastes more or less the same as other forms of dried garlic, garlic salt adds a salty taste to the dish.
Conclusion
Granulated garlic is a type of dried garlic, while garlic salt is a mixture of ground garlic and salt. Therefore, garlic salt has a salty taste while granulated salt doesn’t. If you are substituting granulated garlic with garlic salt, avoid adding extra salt to the dish.
Reference:
1. Groskreutz, Renee. “What is granulated garlic and its many substitutes?” Cooking Chew.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Garlic Powder, Penzeys Spices, Arlington Heights MA” By John Phelan – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Garlic” By Donovan Govan. – Image taken by me using a Canon PowerShot G3 (reference 7907). (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
Leave a Reply